Rescue teams in Kerala recovered another body from the landslide site in Wayanad on July 9, bringing the official death toll to four. The landslide struck on July 7 at the Anakkompoyil-Meppadi tunnel project, which is under construction to connect Wayanad and Kozhikode districts.
Details of the Incident
The landslide occurred during ongoing excavation work for the tunnel. Workers were trapped under debris when a section of the hillside collapsed. According to officials, the first three bodies were recovered within 24 hours of the incident. The fourth victim was found after extensive digging operations.
Rescue Operations
State disaster response teams, along with local police and fire services, have been conducting round-the-clock search efforts. Heavy machinery was deployed to clear boulders and mud. A senior official from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority stated, "We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure all missing persons are accounted for."
Impact and Investigation
The tunnel project is part of a larger infrastructure initiative aimed at improving connectivity between the hill district of Wayanad and Kozhikode. Authorities have ordered a high-level inquiry into the cause of the landslide. Preliminary reports indicate that recent heavy rainfall may have loosened soil and rock formations at the site.
Government Response
Kerala Chief Minister expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and announced compensation of ₹5 lakh each. The state government has also directed safety audits for all ongoing tunnel projects in the region. Meanwhile, opposition parties have demanded stricter enforcement of safety norms at construction sites in ecologically sensitive areas.
